Lovettsville fire deemed accidental

The Loudoun County Fire Marshal's Office has determined that a Jan. 24 fire that destroyed a Lovettsville home was accidental.

The fire caused $500,000 in damage.

According to a release from Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, at approximately 2:40 a.m. on Friday, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center received a call for a house fire at 38064 on Long Lane in Lovettsville, prompting fire and rescue personnel from Lovettsville, Lucketts, Purcellville, Leesburg, Hamilton and Moorefield to respond. Additionally, fire services from Frederick County, Md. provided assistance.

At the scene was a large single family home with an active fire on the second floor running into and across the attic. The home was located in a non-hydrant area, so a rural water supply was established. Firefighters were forced into defensive mode due to the size of the fire.

The Fire Marshal's Office's determined the fire was caused by a crack in the clay thimble leading to the chimney flue, which allowed the fire to extend into the home.

Units stayed at the scene for an extended period of time both to put out hot spots and to perform salvage.

The family of three exited the house upon hearing the smoke alarm. They are displaced, however, no one, rescue personnel included, was injured in the incident.

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